Four years ago, Tom Holland performed what people say is the best Lip Sync Battle performance in show history.
Many fans know actor Tom Holland for his role of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, others know him as the man who performed the legendary Lip Sync Battle performance four years ago, leaving it all out on the stage after lip-syncing the Rihanna 2007 hit "Umbrella."
RELATED: Harry Holland: Who Is Tom's Younger Brother?
Although its anniversary took place yesterday, May 7, fans on Twitter are still raving over the famous video that is now four years old, and they still can't help talking about what a game-changer performance it was.
Before performing "Umbrella," Holland came out and danced to the classic song "Singin' in the Rain," wearing a suit similar to Gene Kelly's from the film of the same name. Almost thirty seconds later, though, he was sporting a pleather leotard, bob wig, and red lipstick similar to what Rihanna wore in the original music video.
Holland competed against fellow Spider-Man star Zendaya for the coveted championship belt. Although the actress put up a good fight, the MCU star came out on top, wowing both her and fans with his dance skills, his unironic embracing of femininity, and that his wig did not come off mid-performance.
RELATED: Who Was Tom Holland Before Becoming Spider-Man?
Even though the actor surprised many with his abilities, those who have followed his career were likely not among them. Holland has had years of dance experience, and was cast as Michael in West End theatres Billy Elliot the Musical when he was only 12.
After making an appearance in Billy Elliot the Musical Live to celebrate his role as a "former Billy" in 2014, Holland focused more on his film career, leading him to his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. Even though he has not done much dancing since, he showed the Lip Sync Battle audience that he hadn't lost touch.
Though Holland gave a flawless performance, People and Yahoo Entertainment reported that he almost performed "Oops!...I Did It Again" by Britney Spears instead, because he wasn't sure he could get the rights to "Umbrella" in time. He got lucky, however, and the confirmation came in five hours before the show.
After the performance, fans wanted to know the reasoning behind the risky song choices and routines. When it came down to it, it started as the producers' idea - they wanted to have Holland reach out to a "younger audience," an idea he absolutely loved.
As for his introduction with "Singin' in the Rain," it was used as an ode to his Broadway days.
RELATED: Here’s Why Twitter Believes Tom Holland’s Upcoming Film Is Problematic
Holland is set to star in the upcoming films Spider-Man: No Way Home and Uncharted, which will both be released in 2021 and 2022. He is also set to star in the upcoming Apple TV+ series The Crowded Room, for which he will also serve as an executive producer.
Lip Sync Battle finished its season five run in 2019, and there is no word on whether or not the show will be renewed for season six. All of the episodes are available to watch on Paramount+, with videos of individual performances available to watch on YouTube.
